“I was insulted in an ugly way”: Spain’s Eurovision 2025 representative launches a scathing attack on the production, the audience, and the national broadcaster. Will she return to Eurovision? And what did she say about Israel?
Today (Monday), May 26th, Spanish singer Melody held a special press conference, about a week after her performance at the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final in Basel with the song “Esa diva”, which left Spain third from the bottom. Throughout her performance, Melody captivated a large audience, but public discourse in Spain afterwards was far from positive. At the press conference, Melody aimed to put an end to rumors and frustrations – and at times, even touched on the tension surrounding Israel.
Absence Explained: “They Didn’t Understand I Needed to Be With My Child”
At the start of the press conference, Melody addressed reporters to clarify the cancellation of the press event originally scheduled upon her return from Basel:
“Before Eurovision ended, I announced that I was tired and needed a few days of rest. Eurovision is a process that lasts for months, not just a single day. I said nothing, and yet there were endless speculations. I was surprised by this. There was too much talk about my family life, and people didn’t understand why I needed to be home with my child. Rumors about family drama also surfaced. Not everything in life is about money. Artists deserve respect”.
She stated that she was hurt by the public’s reaction, especially regarding her decision not to appear on the show “La Revuelta” shortly after the contest:
“When I ask for a few days’ rest, mental health comes before everything. There are TV shows that made jokes about it. It hurts”.
Sharp Criticism of Entertainment Program: “It’s Not Acceptable to Mock My Placement”
The harshest criticism was directed at Spanish host David Broncano and his show’s team, following jokes about her contest placement and absence:
“I was insulted in an ugly way. When I don’t make fun of others’ ratings, it’s not acceptable to mock my placement. I’m funnier than many who do comedy, but you don’t play with people’s mental health”.
Melody also declared she would not appear on the show until she receives an apology:
“I’m willing to accept an apology. We all make mistakes. So do I”.
Strong Critique of the Spanish National Broadcaster: “They Didn’t Let Me Do What I Dreamed Of”
At the press conference, Melody did not spare criticism of the Spanish national broadcaster RTVE, responsible for Eurovision participation:
“What I said before the contest – I say now as well. There were issues with the screen, there were moments when my theatricality disappeared. I fought for changes, but they didn’t let me do what I dreamed of. I wanted to change things in the performance – but I won’t start a commotion now. I did my part”.
She revealed that she was prevented from starting the song suspended in the air as she did in the Spanish national final:
“They told me that if I started the song in the air like in the national final, it could hurt me, because other countries were planning to ‘rise’ on stage. It sounds ridiculous, but that was the reason”.
General Statement on Israel – Without Saying “Israel”
Throughout the press conference, Melody refrained from political statements – especially regarding Israel’s second-place finish, which stirred controversy in Spain.
“I can’t say anything about that,” she said. “I’m not allowed to speak on political issues, as stated in my contract. All I can say is that I wish the world a lot of love and peace”.
It should be noted that the code of conduct signed by Eurovision 2025 contestants with the European Broadcasting Union is no longer in effect after the contest. For example: Croatia’s representative spoke out against Israel’s participation, Finland’s representative criticized Israel, and even the Eurovision 2025 winner spoke out against Israel. Moreover, the likelihood that Melody is bound by such a contract with the Spanish national broadcaster – known for its militant anti-Israel stance – is low to nonexistent.
She later reinforced her words with a subtle message:
“Eurovision was created to unite countries. The moment we deal with things that aren’t music – I choose not to comment. What I really want is love and peace in the world”.
Melody, sobre la polémica con Israel: «A mi se me exige por contrato no hacer comentarios políticos baja el riesgo de ser expulsada de Eurovisión».
️ «Yo no puedo decir nada de eso». pic.twitter.com/npdaZeoFcj
— THE OBJECTIVE (@TheObjective_es) May 26, 2025
The Public Storm: What Did Spain’s Eurovision Head of Delegation Say – And Will Spain Withdraw?
During the press conference, Spain’s Head of Delegation, Ana María Bordas, was also present. She confirmed that the Spanish national broadcaster is demanding a discussion on the voting system:
“RTVE cannot turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Gaza”.
Bordas said. According to her, the discussion is ongoing, but several countries support a public review of the vote-counting process.
On the possibility that Spain would withdraw from Eurovision if Israel participates again next year, she answered cautiously:
“I don’t know. There’s still time, and the issue will come up for discussion again”.
The decision, she noted, depends on the national broadcaster’s management body and is not final. It should be recalled that this coming July, Spain is expected to be appointed chair of the European Broadcasting Union’s Reference Group, which will likely increase its influence – along with the fact that Spain is one of the contest’s funding countries.
Melody Reflects on Her Career – And Hints at a Return
Despite her frustration, Melody thanked everyone who supported her – and even hinted at a possible Eurovision return:
“If I come back, it will be under completely different conditions. I’m a professional, so I need to consider everything. But I won’t see it as a step down, because the work I did was immense”.
She added:
“Thank you to all of Spain, to everyone who watched, to the children, to the parents. ‘Esa Diva’ became much more than a Eurovision entry – it united Spain”.
Melody may not have won Eurovision – but she gained a rare opportunity to say what few dare. In a single press conference, she turned the stage into a sounding board for frustration, love, exhaustion, and determination. Between deliberate silences and open criticism, she exposed the price of public exposure – and the boundary between art and politics. If she returns to Eurovision, it will be a different Melody – but will Spain be ready to listen this time?
Spain at Eurovision 2025
“Esa Diva” (in English: “That Diva”) is the song performed by singer Melody, who represented Spain at Eurovision 2025. The song was written by Alberto Fuentes Lorite and the singer herself – Melodia Ruiz Gutiérrez. This was the creators’ first song in the Eurovision competition. The song is performed solely in Spanish. Spain finished 24th out of 26 in the Grand Final, with a total of 37 points – 27 from the juries and 10 from the public.
Eurovision 2025: This was Spain’s 65th participation in Eurovision. Spain joined the contest in 1961 and won twice in a row in 1968 and 1969. Spain has hosted the contest only once, in 1969, and since then holds the longest waiting time since its last victory – 55 years.
